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Starch grain analysis as a Microscopic Diagnostic Feature in the Identification of Plant Material

Analisis del grano de almidon como caracter microscopico de diagnostico en la identification de material vegetal.

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Abstract

The starch grain is a diagnostic feature of multiple applications according to the peculiarities and origin of the plant material to be determined. Its morphological characteristics are studied through the analysis of samples from different origin and different preservation conditions, as flours, commercial starches, drugs, spices and archaeological remains (especially carbonized material). The usefulness and importance of the methods and techniques applied in each case are also discussed.

Zusammenfassung

El grano de almidon constituye un caracter de diagnóstico de variada utilidad en función de las particularidades y origen del material vegetal a determinar. Se realiza un estudio de sus características morfológicas mediante el análisis de muestras provenientes de distintos orígenes y en diferentes estados de conservatión, desde harinas y féculas hasta drogas, especias y material arqueóldgico, en particular carbonizado. Se discuten asimismo la utilidad e importancia de los métodos y técnicas utilizadas en cada caso.

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  1. Laboratorio de Etnobotánica y Botánica Aplicada (LEBA), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, U.N.L.P., Paseo del Bosque s/n. 1900, La Plata, Argentina

    A. R. Cortella & M. L. Pochettino

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  1. A. R. Cortella
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  2. M. L. Pochettino
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Cortella, A.R., Pochettino, M.L. Starch grain analysis as a Microscopic Diagnostic Feature in the Identification of Plant Material. Econ Bot 48, 171–181 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02908212

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